Kids

Getting Ready to Read

Skills Building

"Early literacy" refers to what a child needs to know about reading and writing before they start to read and write. Early literacy is not the teaching of reading. It is preparing a child for reading by presenting activities that build pre-reading skills and providing an atmosphere that supports the enjoyment of books and reading.

Weekly storytimes for children ages five and under are specifically designed to encourage language building and early literacy skills that will begin to prepare young children for school. These programs also expose parents and caregivers to a variety of books and materials appropriate for their child.

There are six skills that are associated with reading success, and the Youth Services staff incorporates these skills into the weekly story programs that are offered in our branches.

Vocabulary: Knowing many words helps children recognize written words and understand what they read.
Library storytimes expose children and their parents to a wide variety of stories that may not be available at home. The length of the stories selected are designed to match your child's developmental stage while stretching their skills.

Print Motivation: Children who enjoy books will want to learn how to read.
Library storytimes offer a fun, safe, and language-rich environment that help to get children excited about books and reading.

Print Awareness: Being familiar with printed language helps children feel comfortable with books and understand that print is useful.
Library storytimes give staff an opportunity to model how books should be handled and that the written text communicates a story.

Narrative Skills: Being able to tell or retell a story helps children understand what they read.
Storytimes are filled with examples of different ways of telling stories, whether it be reading a book, incorporating music, or using puppets or flannel boards.

Phonological Awareness: Being able to hear the sounds that make up the words helps children sound out words as they begin to read.
Library storytimes incorporate nursery rhymes, songs, and repetition that allow children to playfully explore the language and its sound.

Letter Knowledge: Knowing the names and sounds of letters helps children to sound out words.
Young children become familiar with the concept that letters in the alphabet are combined to form the words they see in a book and hear during the library story program.

Storytimes are an active way for children to participate in what the public library has to offer, helping them develop a habit of reading and lifelong learning.

Check your local branch listings for their weekly storytime schedule and let us help you prepare your child to be school ready!